Goethe-Institut – Work Stays Abroad (working residencies)

This is time to work, not to tour. The Goethe-Institut funds stays of two to six weeks in a host country so that musicians and composers can get properly inside a local scene: researching a larger production, developing a joint composition or coproduction with collaborators there, or building relationships with artists and programmers. It is explicitly not for masterclasses, summer schools, study visits, guest appearances, tours, academic research or lectures.

You need to be a professional musician or composer based in Germany. The grant covers travel, housing, meals and other expenses; the current guidelines describe the categories covered rather than publishing a fixed weekly rate, so ask the Music Division what your itinerary will realistically attract. Book nothing before you apply — flights or hotels reserved in advance normally disqualify the project unless you have first emailed a request for a dispensation.

Applications should arrive at least six weeks before the start date, and six months ahead where possible. You submit a project description with a detailed itinerary, an artist biography, a budget listing partner contributions and any other funding, and a link to a recent audio sample. Assessors look for genuine embedding in the host country's scene, lasting impact there or in Germany, and willingness to run workshops or talks with the local Goethe-Institut. Anyone awarded a stay cannot reapply for three full calendar years.